Motherwell FC supports launch of suicide prevention campaign

Motherwell FC is helping to raise awareness that almost one person a week dies by suicide in North Lanarkshire.
The Suicide Prevention North Lanarkshire launch at Fir Park.The Suicide Prevention North Lanarkshire launch at Fir Park.
The Suicide Prevention North Lanarkshire launch at Fir Park.

The club welcomed Suicide Prevention North Lanarkshire, made up of North Lanarkshire Council, NHS Lanarkshire, Police Scotland and the Scottish Association for Mental Health, to Fir Park for the launch of a new campaign and the Suicide Prevention logo is displayed on this season’s kit.

Council depute leader Councillor Paul Kelly said: “We have a great record of working closely with Motherwell FC in a number of initiatives, including our joint support of raising awareness around this important and sensitive area.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Choose Life figures show the suicide rate for males was more than two-and-a-half times that for females. Here in North Lanarkshire we’re taking the conversation right into the centre of our communities, so that people are comfortable and confident in discussing and asking about suicide.

“A lot of men have a problem being open and comfortable taking about mental health and asking for help. We need to talk about it, know how to look after it, know what help is available and be compassionate in how we respond to others.”

Motherwell FC’s management, players and staff will be participating in the ‘90 minutes to save a life’ suicide awareness training.

Fir Park boss Mark McGhee said: “We are delighted to be in partnership with Suicide Prevention, and with their logo proudly displayed on the back of the team shirts, it will be seen by supporters across the country and in using our profile to raise awareness of this service is a positive step towards improving the mental health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“To further support this partnership, I’m making a personal plea to all Motherwell fans and the whole North Lanarkshire community to give 90 minutes to save a life. Over the coming weeks and months we will putting out information and dates for everyone to become part of a suicide safer North Lanarkshire.”

Kevin O’Neill, public mental health and wellbeing development manager at NHS Lanarkshire, added: “Motherwell FC has once again demonstrated why they are considered Scotland’s premier community club. Working together we will harness the power of football to save lives.”

For more information visit NLC safer or call 0800 073 0918.